Joseph Leckie Academy

AQA Computer Science

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Computer Science specification.

This is a rigorous and challenging qualification that aims to give students a thorough understanding of computational principles. Students will have the opportunity to build their own applications (including those for mobile/tablet) and develop a greater awareness of the rapidly changing computing field. Content covered is wide spread and includes: Software development, robotics and computer structure.

This is a high intensity, mathematically and logic driven course that requires a tolerant aptitude and a methodical approach to solving problems. Students must be willing to invest their time outside of school hours in order to develop their generic I.T based skills.

Progression

The course offers a multitude of progression opportunities including: further chance to study Computing/Computer Science at A level, apprenticeships or HND courses in a niche area of computing, i.e.( software engineering.)

Course Content

Assessment

The course consists of two core components, (controlled assessment & an examination.)

Students will have fifty hours of controlled assessment to create two tasks from a choice of four. Students will be given a problem and will need to code a solution independently. Tasks are extremely engaging and include contexts such as: gaming, web development and Android/IOS development.

The examination element covers computing fundamentals such as a computer structure, data representation and networking.

Support and direction for students is available continuously throughout the duration of the course by specialist subject staff.